Can I release Avios from a Future Travel Voucher?

[ed_fly]

Is there an easy way to get avios tied up in a FTV back? I’ve got 24,000 Avios in an FTV, but no cash. I’d prefer the Avios back in my account, rather than having to try and call to book when I want to use the Avios. Could I try and use the FTV to use as close to 24,000 Avios with a £0.50 fee and then just cancel the ticket and get the Avios back for effectively a £0.50 charge?

[ChrisC]

Well you’d have to call them to use the FTV up on a new booking in the first place. And then call to cancel your new ticket.

[tiriavpo]

Yes there is – you can cancel a reward-based FTV just the same as cancelling the original flight. You get everything refunded minus a £35pp fee. Not sure how you have no cash in the FTV but if you mean the fees were originally less than that, that is all you lose.

[ed_fly]

Thanks for the input both. @tiriavpo i swapped from peak to off peak dates. Received a small refund of taxes, but the Avios I believe is sitting in an ftv.

[SteveJ]

Book a single reward flight with lowest possible cash and lowest Avios. Your remainder Avios will be returned to your account.

You can then cancel the new booking and lock in a smaller amount of Avios + cash into a new FTV.

You’ll need to decide how much cash you want to lock up to minimise the Avios locked up. I can see why you’d want to do this though, as whenever you use your FTV it’s a pain and you need to call, whereas the Avios in your account you can use as you see fit.

[Mikeact]

What is the current validity date of FTV’s ? I’m looking to cancel an Avios ticket and will be happy to keep the FTV in my account for the time being.

[SteveJ]

End of Sept 2023

• This reply was modified 4 days, 3 hours ago by SteveJ.

[Mikeact]

Thanks Steve, for your prompt response.
And if BA cancel ? ..which would be no problem for me..same date ?